Hull KR new signing Will Dagger is ‘desperate’ to make the starting line-up for the club’s Super League opener against his former side Wakefield in a fortnight’s time.

The England Academy international will battle it out with full-back Adam Quinlan for the number one spot against Trinity, whom Dagger played for at scholarship level.

Making his debut for the Robins in last weekend’s friendly win over Hull FC, Dagger gave KR fans a first glimpse of his talents, displaying why Tim Sheens paid a fee to sign the 18-year-old from Warrington Wolves for the 2018 campaign.

Despite Quinlan being the favourite to land the role, Sheens says past performances count for little and is tipping Dagger to push the former St Helens man all the way this year.

“I’d do anything for that starting spot on round one,” Dagger, who embarked on his first warm-weather camp to Spain this week, told the Mail.

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“Obviously I need more game time so I’ll put my all into training to get those minutes. I’ve seen Quinlan’s skills on TV and live here, you see that natural passing in him so I think I’ll pick that up from him.

“I’d like to play first-team, you just can’t beat playing Super League at this level. If I’ve got to go on dual-reg for York I will, but I want to stay here and challenge for that spot every week.

“I had two years at Wakey as scholarship, I was in that environment, they were a big bunch of lads like last year. I can’t wait, if I’m playing, to get out there and give it my all. They did really well last year and surprised a few people. Chris has turned a lot of heads since he come in so I’d love to play in that opener.”

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Providing a sublime pass on the far left edge for Kieren Moss’ score against the Black and Whites, Dagger has impressed since his arrival at KCOM Craven Park.

Hoping to overcome those jitters in time for the top-flight campaign, Dagger hopes to feed from the confidence he’s gained.

“It was overwhelming when they were singing and chanting, it buzzed me up and I’m sure it does the rest of the boys too,” he added. “It was good to make my debut at the weekend. With it being a friendly against Hull, we treat it as a proper derby day. I loved every minute.

“The more games I get, I should settle down a lot more. Beforehand I was nervous, I knew the fan-base at KR and FC were big, and it got to me. I’m out here to prove to Sheensy I can get in that starting line-up.”